Toddlerhood is a remarkable phase in a child’s life, marked by significant physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Understanding what to expect at each stage of your toddler’s development can help you nurture their abilities, address their needs, and ensure their milestones are met. This guide provides an in-depth look at toddler growth and development, covering key milestones from 12 months to 36 months.
1. Physical Development
12–18 Months
- Walking and Movement: Most toddlers take their first steps between 12–15 months, transitioning from crawling to walking. By 18 months, many can walk confidently and begin climbing furniture.
- Fine Motor Skills: They start using their hands more purposefully, such as stacking blocks, using a spoon, or pointing at objects.
- Growth Spurts: Expect rapid height and weight gains, although growth may vary between toddlers.
18–24 Months
- Running and Jumping: Toddlers develop better coordination, enabling them to run, kick a ball, and begin jumping.
- Improved Fine Motor Skills: Skills like turning book pages, scribbling with crayons, and using a cup without spilling improve significantly.
- Teething: Most toddlers will have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the age of 2.
24–36 Months
- Advanced Movement: By their third birthday, toddlers can climb stairs with alternating feet, pedal a tricycle, and perform simple dance moves.
- Increased Dexterity: They can build towers with blocks, use scissors with supervision, and manipulate smaller objects.
2. Cognitive Development
12–18 Months
- Problem-Solving Skills: Toddlers begin exploring cause and effect, such as pressing buttons on toys to produce sounds.
- Object Permanence: They understand that objects continue to exist even when out of sight, leading to improved memory skills.
- Language Recognition: They may say their first words and recognise names of familiar people or objects.
18–24 Months
- Symbolic Thinking: They engage in pretend play, like pretending to cook or feed a doll.
- Vocabulary Growth: By 24 months, toddlers may use up to 50 words and start forming two-word sentences like “want milk.”
- Understanding Instructions: They can follow simple commands, such as “Pick up the ball.”
24–36 Months
- Imaginative Play: Complex pretend play emerges, such as role-playing as a doctor or parent.
- Problem-Solving Skills: They begin solving puzzles and understanding simple concepts like size and shape.
- Language Explosion: By age 3, toddlers may have a vocabulary of 200+ words and form complete sentences.
3. Social and Emotional Development
12–18 Months
- Attachment to Caregivers: Toddlers often display separation anxiety, showing strong attachment to parents or primary caregivers.
- Parallel Play: They play alongside other children but not necessarily with them.
- Expressing Emotions: Emotions become more apparent, including joy, anger, and frustration.
18–24 Months
- Independence: They begin asserting independence, often saying “no” as they explore autonomy.
- Tantrums: Frustration from limited communication skills may lead to tantrums.
- Empathy: Early signs of empathy appear, such as trying to comfort someone who is upset.
24–36 Months
- Social Interaction: They start interacting more with peers, engaging in simple group activities.
- Complex Emotions: They develop a wider range of emotions, including pride, shame, and jealousy.
- Understanding Rules: They begin to understand basic rules and routines, though they may still test boundaries.
4. Language Development
12–18 Months
- First Words: Most toddlers say their first meaningful words, like “mama” or “dada.”
- Gestures: They use gestures like pointing, waving, and nodding to communicate.
- Imitating Sounds: They mimic animal sounds, words, and tones they hear.
18–24 Months
- Combining Words: They start stringing two words together, such as “want toy.”
- Understanding More Words: They comprehend more than they can articulate, following instructions and recognising names of body parts.
- Repetition: Repeating words and phrases helps them learn new vocabulary.
24–36 Months
- Complex Sentences: They form three- to four-word sentences and begin asking “why” and “what” questions.
- Pronouns and Plurals: They start using pronouns like “I” and “me” and plural forms like “dogs” or “cars.”
- Storytelling: They enjoy listening to and attempting to tell simple stories.
5. Behavioural Development
12–18 Months
- Curiosity: They are highly curious, exploring their environment by touching, tasting, and examining objects.
- Repetition: Repeated actions, like dropping toys, help them understand consistency and outcomes.
- Attention Span: Their attention span is short, but they show interest in new activities.
18–24 Months
- Testing Limits: Toddlers begin testing boundaries, leading to behaviours like throwing items or refusing instructions.
- Imitating Adults: They copy behaviours, such as sweeping the floor or talking on a toy phone.
- Sense of Ownership: They often use the word “mine,” showing an emerging sense of possession.
24–36 Months
- Cooperation: They start understanding the concept of sharing, though it may not always come naturally.
- Routine Preferences: Consistent routines provide comfort and security.
- Problem Behaviours: Occasional biting, hitting, or defiance may occur as they navigate social interactions.
6. Sleep Patterns
12–18 Months
- Napping: Many toddlers transition from two naps to one nap per day.
- Sleep Duration: They typically sleep 11–14 hours in a 24-hour period, including naps.
- Bedtime Struggles: Separation anxiety may make bedtime routines challenging.
18–24 Months
- Night Waking: Some toddlers experience sleep disruptions due to teething or developmental milestones.
- Consistent Routines: Establishing consistent bedtime routines helps with better sleep habits.
- Comfort Items: Many toddlers develop attachments to comfort items like blankets or stuffed toys.
24–36 Months
- Longer Sleep Cycles: Sleep consolidates into one long night-time stretch and a single nap.
- Bedtime Independence: They may begin to settle themselves to sleep without parental assistance.
- Dreams and Nightmares: Vivid dreams and occasional nightmares may emerge as imagination develops.
7. Tips for Supporting Toddler Development
- Encourage Exploration: Provide a safe environment where toddlers can explore freely.
- Read Daily: Reading helps develop language skills and fosters a love for learning.
- Set Routines: Consistent routines provide structure and security.
- Be Patient: Toddlerhood can be challenging, but patience and understanding are key.
- Offer Choices: Allowing simple choices helps toddlers feel empowered and independent.
- Model Positive Behaviour: Toddlers learn by observing, so model the behaviours you want to encourage.
Conclusion
The toddler years are filled with exciting milestones and rapid growth. While each child develops at their own pace, understanding the typical stages of toddler growth and development can help you support and celebrate their progress. By fostering a nurturing environment and addressing their needs, you can set the foundation for a happy, healthy, and confident child. If you ever have concerns about your toddler’s development, consult with a paediatrician or child development specialist for guidance.
